ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Medtrade, the largest event in the home medical equipment industry, will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Produced by Nielsen Business Media, Medtrade will take place Oct. 12 - 15.
Thirty years later, Medtrade continues to be the industry's go-to event.
"Undeniably, the HME industry has been through dramatic changes since the first event was held in 1980. Through the years, producers of the event have responded to those changes, and we continue to seek industry guidance to ensure providers and manufacturers receive the information they need to continue their success," said Kevin M. Gaffney, show director.
"As we prepare to celebrate this important anniversary, my wish is for the industry to celebrate the enormous impact it has had on the lives of the millions of Americans who depend on home care to live independently."
In November of 1980, Edward C. "Ted" Conrad, president and CEO of SEMCO, launched the National Home Healthcare Exposition — DME Industry Tradeshow. It was held at the GWCC and was host to 79 exhibitors and 400 attendees.
According to Conrad, in 1992 the name was changed to Medtrade to reflect the growing number of international attendees and exhibitors.
"I wanted an international-sounding name that didn't mention home care as it wouldn't translate properly in many countries, hence I decided on Medtrade," he said.
While commemorating the past, organizers of Medtrade 2009 are looking to the future. The event will feature several pre-show conferences, a comprehensive educational conference and over 600 exhibitors.